Long Term Effects Of Tuberculosis

The initial stages of TB sometimes go unnoticed as the symptoms are not very apparent. During the initial stages the bacteria remains in a latent from not causing much problems however as the stages progresses and the bacteria becomes active it might lead to serious complications.

The initial diagnosis of TB can be carried out with the help of certain investigations. The foremost test known as PPD test is a one in which tuberculin purified protein derivative is being injected inside the body. The positive result is confirmed when the area that has been injected becomes inflamed with a tough red swollen and bumped area. Few other indications are rashes and itching of the skin also. One may also notice blistering, peeling and the loosening of the skin.

When TB goes unnoticed and it is left untreated for a long duration, it might lead to permanent damage of the lungs, respiratory tracts and also other important parts of the body. It might also lead to permanent disability of the central nervous system, brain, circulatory system, gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, skin, joints and also the bones. When TB is left untreated, it can be fatal. Infants, who are younger than one year, can get meningitis. This could be fatal as at this stage their immune system is not developed and hence, they are unable to fight any infection caused due to bacteria. The symptoms of an active TB are coughing, weight reduction, night sweats, fatigue, spitting blood and/or bloody sputum, loss of appetite, weakness accompanied with fever.

TB is very serious kind of bacterial infection which can be fatal. It invariably affects the lungs and the respiratory tracts. The bacteria responsible for causing TB are known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This kind of bacterium is generally present in the atmospheric air. It is highly contagious. These are released in very small droplets in the air and can be transmitted through breathing the infected air. More..